Idea of Sympathy in Edmund Burke’s Philosophy

Idea of Sympathy in Edmund Burke’s Philosophy

Introduction

Edmund Burke, the 18th-century political philosopher and aesthetic thinker, explored the idea of sympathy as part of his broader reflections on human emotions and aesthetics. In his early work, “A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful,” Burke elaborates on how humans connect emotionally with others and with art.

Definition and Function

Burke defines sympathy as a natural human tendency to emotionally respond to the feelings of others. Sympathy allows individuals to feel sorrow, joy, fear, or pleasure when witnessing those emotions in others. According to Burke, this emotional sharing forms the basis of community life and moral behavior, as it connects human beings on a deeper psychological level.

Role in Aesthetic Experience

In aesthetic terms, Burke considered sympathy as the foundation of our emotional reactions to beauty and the sublime. For instance, when we watch a tragic scene in a play, our feeling of pity arises through sympathy. Similarly, our awe or fear in front of a powerful storm (sublime experience) is heightened by our ability to connect emotionally with such scenes.

Conclusion

Thus, Burke’s concept of sympathy plays a crucial role in explaining both moral sentiments and aesthetic experiences, highlighting the emotional interdependence among human beings and their responses to art and nature.